Only The Deepest Love: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Amelia Wood

Author:Amelia Wood
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Read, Compromise (D&E), Forced Marriage, Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms
Published: 2020-02-10T05:00:00+00:00

11

LADY CATHERINE’S displeasure was so great that everyone agreed it would be best if Elizabeth, Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam left for London at once. The matter was arranged with little trouble once Darcy had his carriage prepared. Elizabeth and Charlotte stood side by side as they waited for it to arrive. Mr Collins was nowhere to be seen.

“I am so sorry for this, Lizzy,” said Charlotte quietly. “I thought to give you a nice visit. I had no idea it would end like this.”

“It is hardly your fault. I am only afraid Lady Catherine’s displeasure might end badly for you.”

“I feared that too, to tell the truth. I know the thought terrifies my husband.” Charlotte smiled. “But Mr Darcy spoke to me before we left Rosings. He said if Lady Catherine threatens our livelihood, to inform him at once. Lady Catherine is not the only one with livings to bestow.”

“Did he?” Elizabeth cried. “Well, that is good of him.”

“So you do allow him to have some good qualities. This is a promising start.”

Elizabeth nudged her friend, who laughed. “I do hope if there is any chance you can be happy together, you take it with both hands. I think the more time you spend with Mr Darcy, the more you will find he has other qualities that made you proud. Promise me you will not be too quick to judge.”

“I suppose I have no choice now.” Elizabeth relented at the sight of Charlotte’s expression. “I will. I will write very soon.”

“I am sure it will be well,” said Charlotte. “And if Lady Catherine is proving difficult, I will hint ever so slightly that we have other options. She will not like the idea of us proving her to be ungenerous.”

“No, Lady Catherine does like to bestow her generosity,” Elizabeth agreed.

The carriage drew to a stop at the gate. Elizabeth felt her heart pound when Darcy jumped out. She and Charlotte embraced. Just as Darcy handed her into the carriage, she looked back and saw Mr Collins. He had emerged around the side of the house and watched them go, his head down but his displeasure clear. Charlotte saw him too. She glanced from him to Elizabeth then rolled her eyes. Elizabeth laughed, but as the carriage pulled away, she felt miserable to leave Charlotte in such a society. But she had chosen it with her eyes open, and she was skilful in managing her husband. No matter what happened, Charlotte would be well.

Elizabeth was relieved that Darcy spoke little to her during their journey. Colonel Fitzwilliam made a small joke about Darcy ignoring his bride, but when he saw how it affected Elizabeth, he said no more about it and devoted himself to being agreeable to Elizabeth instead. He was determined to take her mind off the matter, and Elizabeth was grateful for it. Perhaps she would feel happier and more at ease if she was obliged to marry a man like the colonel. He did not perplex her with odd moods and silences.

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